If you’re looking for an alternative to the big four telcos in Australia, you’ve probably considered two of the most popular MVNO choices: Boost Mobile and Amaysim. But what is the difference between these two solid service provider options?

Network vs network

The first and most important difference is that Boost and Amaysim operate on different networks. Boost operates in partnership with Telstra and runs on the
Next G network. This is known as a 3.5G network with max download speeds up to 42Mbps. It is not as fast as a 4G network, but most phone owners will find it is more than faster enough.

Amaysim, on the other hand, is an Optus 3G network reseller, meaning that you get all of the coverage benefits of being with Optus. Like Boost, download speeds on Amaysim are limited to
42Mbps. In real world use, both Boost Mobile and Amaysim customers should expect downloads speeds of between 6Mbps - 10Mbps, based on our own experience with these networks, but this will vary depending on whether you use your phone in dense metro areas or regional parts of the country.

While download speeds should be pretty similar on both networks, coverage will be a more important factor to consider, and one which requires a bit of research. Before signing up to either service, make sure to look at coverage maps provided by both companies and be sure coverage reaches the places where you live and work.

Unlimited plans

One of the key selling points for both Boost and Amaysim is that both offer an ‘Unlimited’ plan, offer unlimited calls and SMS plus a hunk of data each month. Amaysim is a little more expensive, but offers much more bang for your buck with over twice as much data available per month.

Even cheaper?

For customers looking to spend less on their mobile plans, Amaysim offers an As-You-Go option, as well as the Amaysim ‘Flexi’ plan for
$19.90 per month. Both options offer low-cost calling and messages (12c call/text with PAYG and 9c call/text on Flexi) and the flexible to switch to a different carrier at the end of the month.

Boost works a bit differently. Rather than offering cheaper plans, it offers shorter connection periods for lower cost. For example,
$20 will buy you unlimited calls and messages, plus 1GB data, but it expires after only 15 days. This is good short, once-off use or top ups, or for people on fortnightly pay cycles, but it is difficult to see why a long-term customer would use this option.

Noteworthy alternatives...

Vaya

If you’re looking to spend $40 per month on your phone bill, maybe you’d like to spend under $20 instead? MVNO Vaya is another
Optus reseller and offers a plan for $18 per month that includes $650 worth of calls and text and 1.5GB data.

Vaya has one massive Ace up its sleeve in that it offers its customers 4G services at no extra cost.

Lebara

All of the plans above are great for people looking to make loads of calls and texts to other phones in Australia, but if you also phone overseas you might want to consider Lebara. This phone company has built its reputation on overseas calling, and now has expanded its services to include a number of SIM-only phone products powered by the
Vodafone 3G network.

There are a few price options, but the Unlimited International Plan is a good place to start with unlimited calls and text within Australia, unlimited calls to landlines in a range of countries, and 2GB of data.